To entertain the siblings coming to Ohio University this weekend who cannot get into the bars Uptown, look no further than Lil' Wayne and John Legend.
Legend, born John Stephens, has three siblings of his own: an older brother, a younger brother and a younger sister.
My family supports me a lot
Legend said. They call me every time they see me on TV and let me know how it went.
Legend might seem like a new name in the music business, but that is because the bulk of his work prior to his debut album, Get Lifted was behind the scenes. He has collaborated in songwriting and back-up vocal work with superstars such as Lauryn Hill, Alicia Keyes, Britney Spears, Mary J. Blige, Janet Jackson, Kanye West and Jay-Z.
According to his Web site, www.johnlegend.com, Legend is particularly proud of his piano work on Hill's Grammy-award winning album single, Everything is Everything.
But before he was collaborating with famous artists, he was juggling the hectic life of a college student with dreams of recording fame. Legend attended the University of Pennsylvania to acquire a degree in English.
When I went to college I didn't know what I was going to major in
but I liked English
and I liked to write and read a lot
Legend said. Music in college kind of sucked to me as far as the classes. It wasn't my thing.
While at college, Legend worked the open mic circuit and talent shows, peddled CDs of his collegiate a capella group and directed a local church choir to appease his musical desires.
It was always a balancing act
Legend said. Between school activities
actual school work and I had a work-study job -it was a lot. But I loved music so much I would make it happen whenever I had a moment and always put my school work off until the last minute to survive for four years.
Despite having worked with some of the industry's biggest names, Legend said he thinks the moment he took his solo career to another level was when he wrote the song Ordinary People.
I think it's the best song on the album
Legend said. It made it more of a classic album then it would have been. I'm really proud of that song as a single.
Legend is hoping to work with some new and old faces in the future.
I think it would be cool to do something with Pharrell
Legend said. I'd like to get back in the studio with Lauryn
maybe do a duet or something.
Legend and Cash Money Millionaire Lil' Wayne will take the stage at 8 p.m. Saturday. The Black Student Cultural Programming Board is sponsoring the concert. Admission is $15.
